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Cancel your plans, Serena vs Sharapova is happening.
After days of speculation, Catherine and David are giddy with excitement on the latest Tennis Podcast. But will the match live up to expectations?
To preview a showdown of such magnitude, Catherine speaks to the perfect guest – esteemed New York Times writer Christopher Clarey. He’s the man who first described this match-up as an ‘un-rivalry’, but does he think Sharapova is primed to score her first victory against Serena since 2004?
Clarey also gives his take on why Serena has historically had such a hold over Sharapova, debates who has more of a point to prove and explains why Serena vs. Sharapova matches still have such a fierce edge, despite the lopsided head-to-head.
Elsewhere, for the third time this week, Catherine and David find themselves discussing a 5-set victory for Sascha Zverev. Is this shaping up to be a coming of age tournament for the German? Or might his exertions so far be his downfall against Dominic Thiem in the quarter-finals?
There’s also more analysis of Novak Djokovic. The Serb convincingly beat Fernando Verdasco and will now play Marco Cecchinato who was a surprise winner over a fatigued David Goffin.
Plus, it was a day of straight-set victories in the women’s draw as Yulia Putintseva, Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys all booked their places in the quarter-finals without much fuss. But Caroline Wozniacki vs. Daria Kasatkina ended for the night in bizarre fashion, with both players wanting to go off for darkness, even though it wasn't particularly late. What was going on?
There will be daily editions of The Tennis Podcast throughout the French Open, in association with Telegraph Sport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kyle Edmund is out of the French Open. His five-set loss to Fabio Fognini brought an end to the British challenge at Roland Garros for another year. David and Catherine assemble on The Tennis Podcast to talk about it.
Edmund vs. Fognini had looked thrilling on paper, but it ultimately failed to catch fire. Why was it such an ordeal? Why was Edmund unable to nullify the Fognini threat? And how much of a missed opportunity was this for the British No.1?
Meanwhile, there was a familiar feeling on Court Philippe Chatrier as Rafael Nadal swept aside Richard Gasquet for the sixteenth time. Catherine bemoans Gasquet’s lack of belief and ponders why most players are so reluctant to do something completely different to try and perturb Nadal.
The predictability of that contest sparked debate over the scheduling logic, particularly because the women’s No.1 Simona Halep was shunned to Court 18. Would that ever happen to a men’s No.1? Catherine and David have their say.
Elsewhere, there’s no doubt that the women’s draw is shaping up very nicely indeed. On Saturday, Kontaveit beat Kvitova, Muguruza thrashed Stosur and Stephens squeezed past Giorgi. Those matches are all discussed. Plus, Maria Sharapova was awesome in blitzing her way past Karolina Pliskova. Is she in Serena-conquering form?
Finally, Catherine reveals the spine-tingling buzz created by the magnificent Goffin vs. Monfils match.
There will be daily editions of The Tennis Podcast throughout the French Open, in association with Telegraph Sport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
David and Catherine are back together on The Tennis Podcast to discuss yet another intriguing day at Roland Garros.
The biggest story is the defeat of Elina Svitolina. The No.4 seed was among the favourites for the title, but once again she failed to transfer her fantastic tour form to a Grand Slam. Why does this keep happening?
Svitolina was beaten by the unheralded Mihaela Buzărnescu of Romania whose remarkable ranking rise – from outside the Top-400 to inside the Top-40 in the space of twelve months – is lauded.
Much like Svitolina, Sascha Zverev has also struggled to play his best at Grand Slams. After coming through a 5-setter against Dusan Lajovic in round two, the German was pushed to the brink and forced to save a match point on Friday against Damir Džumhur.
Does it bode well for Zverev that he’s coming through these physical tests? Or does he need to be winning these matches more convincingly? David and Catherine give their thoughts.
Novak Djokovic was also a winner on Day 6, beating Roberto Bautista-Agut in a near 4-hour slugfest. It was a match in which Djokovic smashed his racquet with frustration before producing some of his trademark brilliance. In short, it demonstrated exactly why he remains such a compelling talking-point. How well is he playing? Are we expecting too much too soon from him? Catherine reveals the views of Boris Becker.
Elsewhere, why are Caroline Wozniacki and Madison Keys going so under the radar? Their straight-set victories are discussed.
Finally, just before Catherine tucks into her daily cheeseboard, there’s excitement about Edmund vs. Fognini on Saturday. Will Edmund’s steadiness be too much for Fognini’s flashiness?
There will be daily editions of The Tennis Podcast throughout the French Open, in association with Telegraph Sport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Serena Williams stole the show on Day 5 at Roland Garros, roaring back to defeat Ashleigh Barty in a vintage display. Shortly afterwards, The Telegraph’s Charlie Eccleshare joined David Law on The Tennis Podcast to reflect on the drama.
Trailing by a set and a break, Serena looked out of sorts. But then she started playing like the Serena we all know so well, summoning her ferocious intensity and imposing her aura to turn the match around. Just how well did she play in those last two sets?
Whisper it quietly, but Serena and Sharapova are on a collision course. David and Charlie are salivating at the prospect. Will it happen?
Elsewhere, it was a day of mixed success for the Brits. Heather Watson fell in the second round for the sixth time, Norrie gave a very good account of himself against Lucas Pouille, and Kyle Edmund took the scenic route in beating Marton Fucsovics in a rather strange contest. Those matches are discussed in depth.
What is it that makes Norrie such a nuisance for opponents? And how will Edmund fair against the mercurial Fabio Fognini in the next round? David and Charlie both agree that it won’t be easy.
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal looked imperious in swatting aside Guido Pella on Thursday. Does anyone in the draw truly believe they can beat Nadal this fortnight? Probably not his next opponent Richard Gasquet. Nadal leads their head-to-head 15-0.
There’s also appreciation for serve-volley outliers, admiration for lucky losers and a quick look ahead to Friday’s order of play. Finally, David and Charlie take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the biggest shocks in French Open history.
There will be daily editions of The Tennis Podcast throughout the French Open, in association with Telegraph Sport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It was an action-packed Wednesday at Roland Garros, with thrilling matches everywhere you looked.
On the Tennis Podcast, David and Catherine begin by assessing the comeback victories of Sascha Zverev, Grigor Dimitrov and Kei Nishikori. In particular, was Zverev’s win today a significant step in his bid to end his Grand Slam curse? David thinks it might be. And Catherine explains how Zverev has been showing off his lighter side while speaking to the media.
Elsewhere, what caused Jared Donaldson to hit an underarm serve against Dimitrov? And what on earth is going on with Benoit Paire’s hair-beard combo?
Novak Djokovic’s victory is also discussed. The Serb is the only player in the bottom half of the men’s draw not to drop a set, but how well is he actually playing?
Meanwhile, David has predicted Simona Halep to win her first Grand Slam this fortnight. No wonder he was panicking when she lost the opening set against Alison Riske. Predictions disaster was averted, however, when Halep recovered to win in three. Is the World No.1 the favourite for the title? If she isn’t, who is? And why is no one talking about Madison Keys and Naomi Osaka?
Lastly, Serena Williams will return to the court on Thursday. But what did Patrick Mouratoglou’s think of her first-round performance? Catherine reveals all.
There will be daily editions of The Tennis Podcast throughout the French Open, in association with Telegraph Sport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The story on everyone’s lips on Day 3 at Roland Garros was the return of Serena Williams. The American beat Kristyna Pliskova 7-6, 6-4 to win her first Grand Slam match since giving birth. Catherine is joined by Simon Briggs, tennis correspondent for The Telegraph, to talk all about it.
How well did Serena play? How will she cope with the tactical nous of Ashleigh Barty in the next round? And what was the story behind the catsuit she wore on court?
Speaking of fashion, Simon thinks Kyle Edmund’s latest outfit might be inspired by Liquorice Allsorts. There’s plenty of chat about that, as well as Edmund’s tennis, which was mightily impressive. Tougher tests await the in-form Brit.
Rafael Nadal was also a winner on Day 3 after overcoming the stern challenge posed by Simone Bolelli in their rain-interrupted match. How convincing was the 10-time champion? And has the cavalier Italian provided the blueprint for threatening Nadal?
There’s also condemnation of Jack Sock’s behaviour. The American caused a stir during his first-round loss with a series of outbursts towards the umpire. Simon gives all the details and says it’s time for Sock to improve his “disrespectful attitude”.
On Wednesday, Cameron Norrie will play his first ever match on the Philippe Chatrier court. Catherine has a sneaky feeling that he might cause an upset against Lucas Pouille…
There will be daily editions of The Tennis Podcast throughout the French Open, in association with Telegraph Sport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Despite some late drama, the Sunday start at Roland Garros had felt a little flat. Fortunately, that all changed on day two and there was plenty for David (at a wildlife centre) and Catherine (at the tennis) to talk about.
While a number of big names may have taken to the court, it was the World No.190 Marco Trungelliti who stole the headlines. The lucky loser’s 9-hour road trip from Barcelona, which caught the imagination of everyone at Roland Garros, got the Hollywood finale it deserved as he defeated Bernard Tomic to reach the second round. Catherine and David delight in the sheer romance of the story.
It was also a successful day from a British perspective as Cameron Norrie and Heather Watson won convincingly. Both players are talking with real confidence. How might they fare in the next round?
Elsewhere, there were wins for Petra Kvitova, Caroline Wozniacki, Dominic Thiem and Novak Djokovic. Who impressed most?
But there was no such luck for Wawrinka. His ranking will drop alarmingly after a first round loss to Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. But is there a crumb of comfort to be found in the way Stan is speaking optimistically about his health?
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal was delayed by the rain and an inspired performance from Simone Bolelli. How much of a role did the heavy conditions play in that match?
Looking ahead to Tuesday, Serena Williams will play her much-anticipated first Grand Slam match for 16 months. What can we expect from her return?
There will be daily editions of The Tennis Podcast throughout the French Open, in association with Telegraph Sport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As The Tennis Podcast turned six-years-old, Catherine & David celebrated by discussing the opening day of action at Roland Garros.
But there was no cause for Johanna Konta to celebrate. The British No.1 lost in the first round at the French Open for the fourth consecutive year, beaten by Yulia Putintseva. Catherine gives us the lowdown on the talking points from Konta’s post-match press conference, which at one stage turned a little more feisty than usual. With these disappointing losses beginning to stack up for Konta, how concerned should we all be about her form?
Elsewhere, there was a big shock as defending champion Jelena Ostapenko lost in straight sets to Kateryna Kozlova.
Those upsets brought some much-needed drama to an opening day which felt underwhelming at times, and left Catherine & David debating the pros and cons of a Sunday start.
There’s also a brief chat about Monday’s play, when a number of the big names will get their campaigns underway. Plus, David reveals how lucky loser Marco Trungelliti is making a 9-hour car journey to Paris from Barcelona in order to take up his place in the draw.
There will be daily editions of The Tennis Podcast throughout the French Open, in association with Telegraph Sport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the French Open prepares to get underway at Roland Garros in Paris, Catherine Whitaker sits courtside as Serena Williams goes through her preparation for the year’s second Grand Slam tournament.
What did Simona Halep and Jelena Ostapenko have to say ahead of Roland Garros? Catherine has been talking to them.
Who is scheduled to meet Rafael Nadal as he tries to win his 11th French Open title? Catherine and David look at his likely route.
And what on earth is Dominic Thiem doing playing and winning the Lyon tournament the day before a Grand Slam tournament gets underway? Is he not going to have worn himself out? Or does he know something we don’t?
There’s talk of Kyle Edmund, Jo Konta, and a resurgent James Ward, who has reached the final in the Loughborough challenger tournament.
There will daily editions of The Tennis Podcast throughout the French Open, in association with Telegraph Sport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Just moments after Rafael Nadal was crowned Champion in Rome for the eighth time, Catherine & David bask in the London sunshine to discuss the King of Clay's rain-assisted victory over Sascha Zverev, and the extraordinary performance of Elina Svitolina earlier in the day to dismantle an out-of-sorts Simona Halep. Other Rome talking points are also in the spotlight, including Karolina Pliskova's uncharacteristic outburst of on-court anger, and the WTA's decision not to disclose her punishment. Plus we ask for the thousandth time this year... Is Djokovic finally back?
And with the main French Open warm-up events now done and dusted, David & Catherine examine the runners and riders for the second Grand Slam of the year - how likely is Jelena Ostapenko to repeat her heroics of 2017? And can Zverev really be considered second favourite for a maiden Grand Slam title?
Oh, and of course there is mention of the Royal Wedding and a certain GOAT's attendance...
The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly throughout the year and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments, in association with Telegraph Sport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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